Main Draw 2015-16

Friday 20th May

The crowd gathered, the athletes limbered up, and the barman filled the fridges for the clubs 45th annual squash club championships.

This years’ combatants were Gavin Collins and Matt Merriman. On his route here Gavin knocked out John Merriman in a thriller that embarrassed the seeding committee and threw the event wide open. Matt, looking to avenge his father's defeat (and justify a month off the booze) was to prove a determined adversary. Before kick-off all we could be sure of was there would be a new name on the cup this year!

Matt started brightest, forging an early 5-0 lead in the first. But Gavin dug deep to show why he was a finalist and closed the gap. We’ll never know if Matt’s socks are the source of his power, but somehow he found what was needed to close out the first 9-4 to take the lead.

After a short break the guys were back into action; this time it was Gavin who made the early running, swiftly moving to a 5-2 lead. Was this to be a repeat of his semi-final? But Matt was more than equal to the challenge and came back to take the 2nd 9-6.

Gavin must have had thoughts of his next match (the Over 35 final) still to be played…but he showed no sign of slowing up as he chased down every point But by now…having covered just shy of 13 miles…he was finding it harder to reach Matt’s shots. And Matt took the 3rd 9-1 and claimed the title.

Huge thanks to Dave Brierley for marking. And to Stewart Chandler for making the presentations. And of course a big thanks to Technifibre who once again provided sponsorship with great prizes for the winners!

Tuesday 3rd May 2016

Another 5 awesome games tonight: New guy Chris Leat justified his #6 seeding as he took on and eventually beet superstar Kian Whelan. And #2 seed Matt Merriman met another new member, Justin Scott. Matt played mean and nasty as you’d expect, pushing Justin all around the court, but Justin showed he had the fitness to hang in there…it was a long match but Matt came through in the end. Meanwhile team captain Chris Luetchford met a future team player (we hope) Dan Underwood in their 3-1 tussle with Chris coming out ahead. Tim Hayes then gave the tournament director a scare as he nearly dumped out #4 seed Gavin Collins. Whilst Tim took a game, Gavin spared my blushes and eventually won. Last up saw Tom Merriman meet Matt Maskell. Tom may have other things on his mind right now, but was forced to concentrate hard in his match as Matt worked hard. Tom was up to the challenge and secured a 2nd round spot.

Monday 2nd May 2016

The championships kicked off today with 5 cracking matches: First up saw former champion and hall-of-fame legend, John Merriman, take on up-and-coming Ben Vincent. In this battle of youth versus experience it was the old guy who came out ahead to book a spot in round 2. At the same time – in a rescheduled over 35s match – Marcus Hewitt and Stuart Delmege did battle. Whilst the score line of 3-0 might suggest Stuart had eased into the next round, the grunts, groans and length of the game tell you just how close a scrap it was. John Cole and Mark brown then embarked on the match of the night…with Mark just nosing it 3-2 (watch out everyone else in the Plate!). Then spritely and stylish Andrew Codrai met young James Dickins. James started a little nervously, handing the first game to Andrew. But he settled down to play some fantastic squash as the match progressed…but alas left it too late to win. Last up saw the 2000 champion Dave Brierley and the 2nd best left-hander in the club (Chris Wright) lock horns. Chris’ brand of energy, enthusiasm and surprise sought to unsettle his opponent, but Dave was his usual measured self and claimed the final 2nd round spot of the evening.